The Global Professional Training (GPT): Communicating, Working and Leading in the Middle East is a two-day event offering professional development training to students at The University of Texas at Austin who are interested in working and living in the Middle East.  Students explore challenges in cross-cultural communication, living and working abroad, and Middle Eastern culture and business practices. The event includes students studying the Middle East, students who want to have careers in the region, and students from the Middle East.

Topics at the GPT have included

• Cultural Analysis for Success in International Contexts
• Islamophobia and the Ethical Challenge to Global Leaders
• Ethical Leadership from a Cross-Cultural Perspective: Examining Similarities and Differences in Leadership Styles and Ethical Decision-Making across Cultures
• Global Leadership in the Context of the Middle East
• Middle Eastern History and Culture 101

The training culminates with a keynote event promoting discussion and networking among participants and professionals. The speaker for the 2013 program was Ambassador Sada Cumber, First Special Envoy to the Organisation of the Islamic Conference.

The GPT benefits students with varying levels of knowledge of the Middle East. Students from the region have the opportunity to take on the role of educator as they teach their peers about their culture. Students with little familiarity of the Middle East gain understanding of the people, traditions, and professional norms. Additionally, GPT provides The University of Texas at Austin with the opportunity to internationalize its programming options and to collaborate with departments across campus in facilitating this training.

The Global Professional Training is offered by the International Office in partnership with the Center for Middle Eastern Studies, Center for International Business Education, Continuing and Innovative Education, Petroleum Extension Service and the Department of Electrical Engineering.

Testimonials

“As a Muslim and someone from the Middle East, I am amazed to see how many people are interested in either studying about or actually living in the Middle East!  I commend the Middle Eastern Studies department for holding this successful workshop.  I definitely hope more of these will be offered in the future with varying themes, subjects, and speakers.”

“I gained a broad understanding of interpretation and adaptation and the importance of being a well-rounded leader.”